Hair loss in traditional Iranian medicine is understood as a condition that may result from internal imbalances in the body, including disturbances in temperament, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and weakness of vital organs such as the liver and brain. In this traditional medical system, healthy hair growth is closely connected to the overall strength and balance of the body’s internal environment and proper nourishment reaching the scalp. Various natural approaches, including dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle recommendations, have historically been used to help support hair health and reduce excessive hair shedding. At ACPFOOD, we are committed to preserving and sharing authentic knowledge of traditional Persian and Iranian medicine, offering insights into natural approaches for supporting hair and scalp health.
Hair Loss Definition
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, hair loss refers to the shedding or reduction of hair on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard. In this medical system, healthy hair growth is closely linked to proper digestion, balanced metabolism, and the efficient delivery of nutrients from food to the scalp. Therefore, any disturbance in the stages of eating, digestion, absorption, metabolism, or distribution of nutrients to the skin and hair follicles may lead to hair loss.
Causes of Hair Loss or Poor Hair Growth
Hair and skin malnutrition: including low quality or insufficient food intake, metabolic disorders, circulatory weakness, vascular imbalances, and impaired skin absorption.
Abnormal changes in skin pores: such as enlarged pores, blockage of pores due to excess substances, or excessive dryness of the skin.
Skin ulcers and inflammation: conditions that damage the skin environment and weaken hair follicles.
Environmental factors: including exposure to harsh weather conditions, pollution, and other external damages that negatively affect hair health.
Signs and Symptoms of Different Types of Hair Loss
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, several signs and characteristics are used to help identify and evaluate hair loss conditions. These include the texture and condition of the hair (such as whether it is dry or oily), hair thickness or diameter, the condition of the scalp in the affected area, as well as general body symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and overall physical condition.
Hair Loss Caused by Open Pores
In cases of hair loss associated with open pores, the skin is typically soft, and the hair tends to be thin and weak. This condition is often linked to an imbalance in the skin’s natural structure and reduced ability to properly support healthy hair growth.
Hair Loss Caused by Lack of Food and Fluid Intake
Dry skin, thin and weak hair, presence of underlying illness, and noticeable weight loss are common symptoms of this type of hair loss.
Hair Loss Caused by Closed Pores Due to Dryness and Skin Density
This type is characterized by dry and thick skin, along with thick, curly, and black hair. In this condition, hair may detach easily from the scalp when pulled. It is commonly associated with dry temperaments such as hot and dry (choleric) and cold and dry (melancholic).
Hair Loss Caused by Thick Moist and Phlegmatic Conditions
Dry skin, thin hair, and rapid hair shedding are typical symptoms of this type of hair loss.
Hair Loss Caused by Excess Moisture in the Skin
Excess hydration and abnormal accumulation of moisture in the skin are key indicators of this type of hair loss.
Hair Loss Caused by Intense Heat
Da al-sa’lab (Alopecia Areata): Hair loss affecting the scalp, eyebrows, or body, appearing in circular bald patches.
Da al-hayyeh (Lamellar Ichthyosis): A condition characterized by hardening and malformation of the skin, where the surface becomes covered with dry, scaly, dark layers resembling fish scales. It is often congenital in nature.
Treatment of Hair Loss in Traditional Iranian Medicine
The treatment of hair loss in traditional Iranian medicine depends on its underlying cause. Different therapeutic approaches are recommended based on the condition of the skin, hair quality, and overall body temperament.
Treatment for Hair Loss Caused by Abnormal Skin Pores (Enlarged or Porous Skin)
In cases where hair loss is associated with enlarged or dysfunctional skin pores, often accompanied by soft skin and thin hair, traditional treatments focus on strengthening and tightening the scalp.
Washing the head with astringent herbal preparations such as acacia, Emblic myrobalan (Phyllanthus emblica), and gallnut is considered beneficial. In addition, the application of astringent herbal oils such as acacia oil and emblic oil is traditionally recommended to help strengthen the scalp and reduce hair shedding.
Labdanum is also used in traditional formulations to help support this type of hair loss by improving scalp firmness and restoring balance to the skin environment.
If Hair Loss Is Caused by Malnutrition
In cases where hair loss in traditional Iranian medicine is attributed to malnutrition, it is recommended to consume fresh, varied, and easily digestible foods such as organic chicken and wheat. Washing the hair with decoctions of Marshmallow flower (Althaea officinalis), willow leaves (Salix alba), henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis), and Blue Mallow leaves (Malva sylvestris) is also traditionally advised. The use of oils such as Violet oil and lotus oil for rubbing the hair and scalp is considered beneficial. Additionally, inhaling or smelling cold-temperament flowers such as lotus and violet, as well as fruits like quince and apple, is traditionally recommended.
In Cases of Blocked Skin Pores
When hair loss is associated with blocked skin pores, the excess moisture should be reduced while restoring proper skin balance. Bathing with lukewarm water and using moisturizing oils such as almond oil, chamomile oil, and jasmine oil (Jasminum officinale) is considered helpful. The use of oils such as emblic myrobalan oil, acacia oil, and myrtle leaf oil (Myrtus communis) is also traditionally recommended.
In Cases of Narrow Skin Pores
For hair loss caused by excessively narrow skin pores, reducing excess body moisture is emphasized. This may include prolonged bathing and cleansing the body from factors contributing to phlegm dominance. Rubbing a thick cloth coated with bitter almond oil and Artemisia abrotanum oil during bathing is considered beneficial. Dietary recommendations include dry and warming foods such as goat meat, camel meat, and fresh fish with spices like cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum), while avoiding phlegm-producing foods.
Hair Loss Due to Excess Moisture in the Skin
In cases where hair loss is associated with excessive moisture in the skin, cleansing and drying approaches may be beneficial. Washing treatments and the use of herbal preparations can help reduce excess substances in the scalp. Herbs such as Malva sylvestris and Alcea officinalis are traditionally used in decoctions for this purpose.
Hair Loss Associated With High Heat Conditions
For hair loss resulting from heat-related conditions such as fever, poultices made from Alcea officinalis, Malva sylvestris, and other mucilaginous herbal decoctions, along with appropriate oils, are traditionally considered helpful.
General Perspective in Traditional Iranian Medicine
From the perspective of Traditional Iranian Medicine, impaired blood circulation and improper nourishment of hair roots and skin are among the most important causes of hair loss. Modern research also supports the role of nutritional deficiencies, including a lack of essential micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and copper, as well as amino acid deficiencies, in individuals experiencing hair loss.
Abnormal conditions of scalp pores, including sebaceous gland dysfunction and skin desquamation, are also considered important contributing factors. In addition, temperament (mizaj) is regarded as a key determinant in both the occurrence and progression of hair loss.
In traditional medical theory, diet plays a fundamental role in health and disease treatment. Therefore, lifestyle and dietary modification are considered primary interventions in managing hair loss, and in many cases, proper nutrition is regarded as more important than medication alone.
Recommendations of Traditional Iranian Medicine for Hair Loss
In cases of hair, beard, or eyebrow loss, Traditional Iranian Medicine recommends stimulating the affected area by gently rubbing it with a rough cloth until mild redness appears. After this, onion may be applied and rubbed firmly on the area until a sensation of warmth or burning is felt. This method is traditionally left for one day and night and may be repeated the following day.
If blistering occurs, the area should be cleansed with chicken fat, and rubbing should be stopped temporarily until the skin heals completely. Once hair regrowth begins, the area is typically shaved, and continued stimulation is applied using a cloth treated with a traditional herbal oil.
This ointment is prepared by boiling equal amounts (26 grams each) of dried yarrow (Achillea millefolium), maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in water until softened. The decoction is then filtered, and 311 grams of the liquid is mixed with 311 grams of oil and gently heated until the water content reduces, forming a final herbal ointment used for topical application.
If Phlegm-Producing Foods Are Continuously Consumed
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, it is believed that continued intake of phlegm-producing foods may cause the skin in areas of hair loss to become completely pale or white. In such cases, traditional formulations are used to support restoration of hair growth and scalp balance.
A traditional tablet is prepared using turpeth root (Ipomoea turpethum) 32 grams, along with a compound preparation (Eiarej fiqra) containing ingredients such as terebinth, saffron, valerian root, clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), asarum (Asarum europaeum), cassia, long pepper, cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and other traditional components. Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) is added to complete the mixture. Citrullus colocynthis is also included. The prepared formulation is taken in small doses (6–10 grams weekly) for up to four weeks according to traditional practice.
Poultice for Hair Growth
A traditional poultice is prepared using cuttlebone extract (Sepia officinalis), borax, mustard (Brassica alba), sulfur, senna (Cassia angustifolia), and Euphorbia helioscopia, along with Loranthus europaeus and Cantharis vesicatoria. These ingredients are cooked and applied with old olive oil after initial stimulation of the area with onion.
If blistering occurs, the treatment is paused temporarily until the skin calms. Afterwards, duck fat may be used to soothe the area. This process may be repeated as needed according to traditional guidelines.
Hair Growth in Desired Areas
For slow growth of beard or eyebrow hair, a paste made from cuttlebone extract and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) mixed with old olive oil is traditionally used. The affected area is first rubbed with this preparation, and the paste is then applied regularly, typically at night, as part of traditional topical care practices.
Hair Wash Recommendations in Traditional Iranian Medicine
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, herbal hair washes are used to help support scalp health and encourage hair growth by strengthening the roots and improving nourishment to the hair follicles.
One traditional method involves using fresh leaves of neem (Azadirachta indica), maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), and emblic myrobalan (Phyllanthus emblica). These ingredients are ground and mixed with honey to form a natural preparation. The scalp is first moistened with emblic myrobalan infusion, after which the herbal mixture is applied and left on the head for a period of time.
Another traditional hair wash involves using the water in which beetroot has been cooked. A small amount of white mustard (Brassica alba) is added to this water, and the hair is washed with the mixture. After washing, myrtle oil (Myrtus communis) is applied to the scalp, which is traditionally believed to support faster and healthier hair growth.
Preventing Hair Loss in Traditional Iranian Medicine
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, preventing hair loss is primarily based on strengthening the hair roots, improving scalp health, and supporting proper nourishment of the hair follicles. Various herbal oils, decoctions, and topical preparations are traditionally used for this purpose.
One common approach is the regular application of myrtle oil (Myrtus communis) to the scalp to help strengthen the hair roots and support healthy growth.
Another traditional preparation involves boiling emblic myrobalan (Phyllanthus emblica) and myrtle leaves in water until the liquid turns red. This decoction is then combined with unripe olive oil and further processed with natural resins such as labdanum (Cistus ladaniferus). The resulting preparation is traditionally used for rubbing the scalp and nourishing the hair roots.
A more complex formulation includes boiling a mixture of herbs such as poppy flower (Papaver rhoeas), myrtle leaf, maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris), valerian, cyperus root, beet seed, celery (Apium graveolens), and emblic myrobalan in water. This is combined with acacia extract and pine bark ash, and applied to the scalp to help strengthen and darken the hair.
Another traditional method includes mixing herbs such as maidenhair fern, myrtle leaves, pine, and frankincense (Boswellia carterii), followed by addition of labdanum and myrrh, then blending with old wine and radish preparations. This mixture is applied at night and washed during the day and is traditionally used in early-stage hair loss.
Additional formulations combine ingredients such as frankincense, gallnut, mastic, lagoecia, myrrh, and labdanum dissolved in rose oil and applied to the hair roots to support scalp strength and reduce shedding.
Another traditional preparation includes herbs such as Euphorbia resinifera, white mustard (Brassica alba), laurel fruits (Laurus nobilis), sulfur, and Helleborus albus mixed with olive oil and applied to the scalp to support hair strength and prevent further hair loss.
Poultice for Phlegmatic Hair Loss
In Traditional Iranian Medicine, a poultice for phlegmatic-type hair loss is prepared using Veratrum album, Helleborus niger, Euphorbia resinifera, and Ruta graveolens in equal amounts. These ingredients are mixed together and applied topically with yellow wax and Croton tiglium oil to support scalp stimulation and help address hair loss associated with excess phlegm.
Poultice for Choleric Hair Loss
For choleric-type hair loss, a traditional poultice is prepared using burnt cuttlebone, tar, mouse dung, Lepidium sativum, Anacyclus pyrethrum, and Artemisia herba-alba, all in equal amounts. The mixture is then combined with olive oil and applied to the scalp as a topical preparation intended to stimulate the area and support hair regrowth in heat-related hair loss conditions.
References
1- Gorji, Narjes, et al. “An Approach to Hair Loss and its Management in Persian Medicine.” Traditional and Integrative Medicine (2018): 127-137.
2- Al-Mansoori fi al-teb (translation), p.: 284.
3- Al-Mansoori fi al-teb (translation), p.: 283.
4- Al-Mansoori fi al-teb (translation), p.: 285.
5- Elixir Azam, vol. 4, p. 528.
6- Qarabadin Kabir, vol. 2, p. 1088.